When foot orthotics and physical therapy meet

Brandi SchlossbergAugust 1, 2014

From stretching and strength training, to manual therapy and muscle stimulation, there are quiet a few variables that fall beneath the umbrella of physical therapy, including foot orthotics, which are especially common when dealing with issues that involve the feet and ankles.

If a patient is suffering from Achilles tendinitis, then foot orthotics can play a key role in relief from this painful condition. Similarly, if one notices that a client has very flat feet and a tendency to overpronate, or roll the feet inward to an unhealthy degree, foot orthotics may be a necessary step on the road to recovery.

In the case of Achilles tendinitis, foot orthotics that lift the heel can help ease strain on the tendon, while also preventing the sore tendon from rubbing against the back of the shoe and causing further pain and irritation. Foot orthotics that provide extra cushioning for the heel are often used to treat this condition, as well.

The proper foot orthotics may be combined with physical therapy sessions that train the client to engage in exercises that have less impact on the heels. Physical therapy for Achilles tendinitis may also include specific stretches, along with temperature therapy.

Typically, physical therapy is prescribed as part of the process of healing and recovering from an injury. Many times, it is used in place of more extreme solutions, like surgery, but it can be a common component of post-surgical recovery, as well.

Proper evaluation from a healthcare professional should reveal whether misalignments, deformities, or other issues of dysfunction related to the feet and ankles are contributing to a client’s issues.